WDC WD20SDRW-11VUUS0 Very slow imaging

[siamak5561]

Hi all,

I'm working on a WD20SDRW-11VUUS0 that’s been converted to SATA and unlocked using MRT.
I've backed up all the key modules and performed head tests — everything appears normal.

However, when imaging in Data Explorer, the speed is painfully slow — around 8 bits/sec — with lots of bad blocks showing up. I’m trying to identify the root cause. Could it be:

Surface damage?
Weak heads?
Or possibly something related to module 190?
Can module 190 affect imaging performance?

Also, from what I understand, regenerating the translator using only the P-list isn’t a valid option on SMR drives — is that correct?

If anyone has encountered similar slow imaging behavior on these drives, I’d greatly appreciate any insights.

Thanks in advance!

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[lcoughey]

I haven't tried with MRT, but assume that the Disable HDD to update module 190 is the same as Block UA writing with PC3000.

Attachments

[siamak5561]

I haven't tried with MRT, but assume that the Disable HDD to update module 190 is the same as Block UA writing with PC3000.

Well I had already tested this option before, but it was exactly the same.

[lcoughey]

I haven't tried with MRT, but assume that the Disable HDD to update module 190 is the same as Block UA writing with PC3000.

Well I had already tested this option before, but it was exactly the same.

You didn't mention it. Are you sure it wrote the changes? You will likely need to change the heads.

[siamak5561]

I haven't tried with MRT, but assume that the Disable HDD to update module 190 is the same as Block UA writing with PC3000.

Well I had already tested this option before, but it was exactly the same.

You didn't mention it. Are you sure it wrote the changes? You will likely need to change the heads.

Well this command pass without any error.
About heads, what about mrt head tests without error ?

[siamak5561]

And still did not get answered for this
Can module 190 affect imaging performance?

[siamak5561]

Hey guys, any tip for this case?

[DR-Kiev]

yes it is.

[siamak5561]

yes it is.

yes what sir? could you explain more?
I'm really frustrated in this case, 1.5 TB data with this speed takes

[digisupport]

Yes module 190 and many other SA modules can cause slow imaging. You can`t just rely on a successful head test, heads can still be weak.
It can also be media trouble.

What was clients error description?
Did heads look fine when you checked them under the microscope?
Is it reading slow on all heads?
What SATA mode are you reading in?
Have you blocked SA writing (hardware or software way ), defrag and background activities?

[siamak5561]

Yes module 190 and many other SA modules can cause slow imaging. You can`t just rely on a successful head test, heads can still be weak.
It can also be media trouble.

What was clients error description?
unable to view HDD partition in windows

Did heads look fine when you checked them under the microscope?
I did not check it

Is it reading slow on all heads?
Yes, but in rare places of hard speed goes up to like 4 - 5 MB/s.

What SATA mode are you reading in?
Tested everything , SATA, UDMA, PIO, no difference.

Have you blocked SA writing (hardware or software way ), defrag and background activities?
just disable reallocation, Im using Mrt, dont know about any other options, just this and disable updating 190 Mod.

[michael chiklis]

If this is usb pcb converted into sata, it might cause instable/slow speed due to the noise introduced by soldered wires to sata data lines.
Try, if possible, to move a little bit the drive away from your pc or put the drive upside down. If you see speed changing then that is the problem.
Maybe shorting the usb controller reset pin to GND can help, but i don't know because i haven't try that yet.

[siamak5561]

If this is usb pcb converted into sata, it might cause instable/slow speed due to the noise introduced by soldered wires to sata data lines.
Try, if possible, to move a little bit the drive away from your pc or put the drive upside down. If you see speed changing then that is the problem.
Maybe shorting the usb controller reset pin to GND can help, but i don't know because i haven't try that yet.

Yes its USB, OK I test it to see any difference, but there is many bad sector/block , I dont think there are same issue ?

[michael chiklis]

Of course, when i say that speed can increase if the noise counter-signal is reduced, i'm referring to the read speed on healthy sectors. It's normal that noise reduction would not help bad sectors reading.